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The 2022-2023 NFL season has finally arrived. In just two days, the Buffalo Bills will take on the reigning Super-Bowl champion LA Rams, to open the season on Thursday Night Football. The Bills will have some new faces at key positions this season. The biggest spot of change (to begin the season at least), is at cornerback. All-Pro Tre ’Davious White is still recovering from a late season ACL tear, and Levi Wallace left for Pittsburgh. That leaves now third year man Dane Jackson, and two rookies as the outside cornerbacks. In game one, the team will face star receiver Cooper Kupp, Allen Robinson, and a promising young receiver in Van Jefferson. Could it be too much for the Bills young cornerbacks to handle?
Dane Jackson has become a pleasant surprise for the Bills since they drafted him in the seventh-round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Jackson has played exceptionally well when he’s been called into action. His biggest opportunity came last year when he replaced Tre White, in which he gave the team a very solid reliable cornerback. A great strength of his is that he is a good tackler. Last season in relief of White, Jackson tallied 41 tackles, six passes-defended, and 19 receptions allowed. Jackson has experience in the system and has played some of the game’s best receivers. He should continue his solid play in year three, if not be even better.
Opposite of Jackson, will be rookies Kaiir Elam and Christian Benford. Elam played well during the preseason and was the Bills’ first round selection in the draft. Benford was a sixth-round pick who turned heads with a stellar training camp and preseason. Bills defensive coordinator Leslie Fraizer told reporters that on Thursday Night there will be a mix of both Elam and Benford playing opposite of Jackson. While both rookies look promising and have flashed early, inexperience at the pro level and in the Bills system, could be too much for them in week one.
Cooper Kupp had one of the best seasons ever for a wide receiver, posting 145 catches, for 1.947 yards, 16 touchdowns, and averaged 114.5 yards per game. He was named the Super Bowl MVP and is one of the best route runners in the league. Even with Tre White, Kupp would cause headaches for the Bills. On the opposite end, Allen Robinson is finally free from his Chicago Bears’ chains, and will have the best quarterback he’s had in his career throwing him the ball. He is a good route runner and crafty veteran who is a more physical type of receiver. His veteran experience could really show against the young guys. If the Bills want to get a win to open the season, they will need to limit the Rams passing attack. Asking two rookies to get it done against the likes of Kupp and Robinson is a tall task. They will need help from the NFL’s best safety duo behind them, and a revamped Bills’ pass rush, led by Von Miller.
